Hyderabad: Chief minister A Revanth Reddy on Monday said the Congress govt would provide 2BHK houses, adequate compensation, and transferable development rights (TDR) to the poor affected by encroachment drives on lake beds and project areas, while urging residents not to obstruct the city’s development.“Please cooperate to save this city, which has been expanding, with its population reaching 1.34 crore within ORR. Future generations will not forgive us if we fail to revive lakes and water bodies, widen roads and nalas, build flyovers and reduce traffic congestion,” Revanth said after inaugurating the renovated Nalla Cheruvu lake. The lake was restored by the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Protection Agency. Warning about the risks of encroachments, the chief minister said the govt did not want the poor to suffer but removing illegal structures from lake beds and Musi river was essential to prevent flooding. “This is a ‘pro-poor’ govt and we do not want to cause loss to the poor. But if encroachments remain on lake beds, rainwater will enter houses, washing away appliances and even educational certificates,” he said. Revanth asked affected residents to approach him along with their local leaders, assuring them that the govt was ready to support them. At the same time, he cautioned people against being misled by opposition parties and obstructing development works. Recalling criticism when HYDRAA was set up, he said the response from citizens visiting the renovated lake showed that such efforts were necessary. “All lakes and water bodies will be revived if people cooperate,” he said. Revanth also stressed that the Musi rejuvenation project was crucial for the city’s future. Unlike other major metros such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai, which face severe pollution, flooding or traffic issues, he said Hyderabad still had the advantage of addressing such problems early. The chief minister added that the govt had already created three police commissionerates in the CURE area and would continue investing in lake restoration, road expansion and flyovers to support the city’s growth.
